Dare To Indulge | The Royal Society
By SAMANTHA MARSHALL | Photos by DANE STEPHENSON
Newsflash: Men like self-care, too. At least according to Adam VanDonge.
“Men like to be pampered,” said VanDonge. “A lot of guys don’t admit it, but we do.”
VanDonge recently opened The Royal Society, his third business in downtown Topeka, coming after The White Linen and Knox Cocktail Lounge. Half men’s boutique, half wine bar, The Royal Society fits nicely with his brand that collectively offers Topekans (both men and women) the ultimate night out.
“I love giving others an experience, and I’m big on Topeka” said VanDonge. “The Royal Society is another way to give the city something they never had before.”
INSPIRED BY A HAIRCUT
The idea for The Royal Society has been brewing in VanDonge’s mind ever since he stumbled upon a men’s boutique and barber shop in Chicago ten years ago.
After indulging in an hour-long haircut and browsing its curated menswear, VanDonge knew he wanted to bring a piece of his indulgent visit back home.
“It was an experience I’ll never forget,” VanDonge said. “It is just one of those places where you want to keep going back.”
Since opening The White Linen seven years ago, VanDonge discovered Topekans love wine, but didn’t have a dedicated wine bar to frequent. The Royal Society fills that void with its offerings of wine, champagne and charcuterie. Their signature menu item, The Royal Treatment, offers guests champagne and caviar for a truly indulgent experience.
As for the boutique side of the business, customers will be able to peruse a variety of men’s accessories, perhaps with their glass of wine in hand. Offerings include high-end shampoos and conditioners, cigar accessories and candles. VanDonge said he might add ladies’ products in the future.
With its velvet seats, gold chandeliers and tufted coaches, VanDonge hopes to transport customers through the space’s retro-glam ambience.
“When you walk in, the place takes you back to the 1930s-40s,” said VanDonge. “It’s an awesome old school building.”
The space and the offerings may promote indulgence but VanDonge wants to keep things simple. No reservations are accepted, making a spontaneous visit easier to pull off. TVs in the outdoor patio area allow customers to truly relax. By the time they leave, VanDonge hopes customers will walk away having felt they experienced something unique.
“When they visit, I want customers to know there’s going to be excellent service,” VanDonge said. “The experience is top notch.”
The Royal Society’s emphasis on the customer experience certainly matches that of The White Linen and The Knox Cocktail Lounge. But each restaurant offers something distinct. Customers won’t be able to order a pour of bourbon at The Royal Society, just as they wouldn’t find an aged merlot in The Knox’s selection of craft cocktails. Customers with an appetite for a full meal after their charcuterie at The Royal Society will need to venture three blocks over to The White Linen.
ANOTHER TOAST TO THE TOWN
Now that he’s started his third business in downtown Topeka, VanDonge has cemented his investment in the city.
“Topeka is a tough city for businesses,” VanDonge said. “I’m just trying to help Topeka appreciate some cool things and some awesome ideas.”
While he admits putting money into a third venture is scary, he is confident The Royal Society will be a success, in part because of the businesses that already make up the downtown Topeka landscape.
“In my eyes, downtown is becoming the spot to go to, thanks to people putting money into it,” VanDonge said. “I love walking or driving down Kansas Avenue on a Thursday or Friday evening and seeing every parking spot full. It’s an awesome thing.”
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